The rupee on Monday appreciated by nine paise to Rs. 54.08 against the US dollar on the Interbank Foreign Exchange (Forex) market in early trade on increased foreign fund flows amid firm local equities.

Forex dealers said euro's gains against the
American currency in the overseas market also supported the rupee.

The local unit had closed higher at 54.17 against the dollar on Friday.

Meanwhile, the 30-share BSE Sensex rose by 65.88 points, or 0.34%, to 19,382.89 in early trade on Friday.